Six of one/half dozen of another…

My last post got me to thinking…what is better here and what do I miss from the States?

My off-hand comment has always been that I only miss certain friends and family and Mexican food. But what are the pro’s for each side?

• I do like the mild winters of the Texas Gulf Coast (except I know you all are currently frozen solid!)
• And I think the Gulf Coast has the best crab and shrimp in the world!
• I miss Tex-Mex enchiladas, chile con queso, good guacamole!
• And a Texas chopped beef BBQ sandwich is pretty damned good too
• Knowing how to do things! This can’t be overestimated – where to go to buy things, who to call to fix things, the list goes ON!
• Certain products are difficult or impossible to find: pickle relish, celery salt, sour cream, peppermints
• I’d like to have a coffee maker that I understand. I finally learned to operate it without destroying the pods, but now even after I put in TWO pods and push the button for the big cup, I still only get a half a cup of coffee. See below.
• Lack of fear – I am constantly worried when I pass the police, or I have to explain some complicated issue in Spanish to a clerk, especially one in a position of authority. I’ll write another post about my experience getting the car inspected! That was humbling.
• Clothes dryer, clothes dryer, clothes dryer!!!

So what’s so great about Spain? I always say I love everything about it — the people, the food, the music, the scenery, but it’s really about their love of life. They slow down, enjoy, take it in…

• They have so many holidays, which can be annoying when you’re trying to get something done, but here it’s an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry with friends and family
• The food is so fresh and you don’t have to go to a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning or spend a ton of money on things at Whole Foods — it’s everywhere
• Tapas, wine, anchovies, seafood, paella…this list goes ON…
• Although there are beautiful places in the US, the greater Houston area, including Galveston, is not one of them; here I have picturesque villages, snow-covered mountains, and the blue, blue sea
• I also can’t underestimate the importance to me of living in another language every day. it is a challenge and yet even in failure there is a sense of satisfaction
• I love the music! Although you can find Spanish radio stations in the States, I think it would be hard to find a station that plays Spanish, French, Italian, and music in other languages all in one car ride!
• Being part of a culture with a world view, not just an egocentric one
• The history and the culture, the art and the architecture – roman artifacts, castles, Dali, Picasso, Gaudí!
• Being among a group of people, the Catalan independistas, who self-identify as rebels of a sort; it’s catching! And speaking Catalan, or trying to, feels like I’m part of a secret society that has its own secret language – it’s so unknown in the world outside of Catalunya.
• The quality of life is very, very good!

I’m sure I’ve forgotten some things on both sides. I’ll append if warranted.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Bon Nadal, Joyeux Noël!!!